Fireworks in Arizona (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Only permissible consumer fireworks, which are ground and handheld devices and not aerial ones or firecrackers, may be sold and used by the public, and they may not be sold to anyone under 16. State law limits what local governments may do: cities, towns and counties may restrict sale and use to set periods around holidays, ban use between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. (except around New Year and 4 July) and bar use near preserves and parks.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [2] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A city, town or county may limit sales to 25 April to 6 May, 20 May to 6 July and 10 December to 3 January (and from two days before the first day of Diwali to its third day) in a county with more than 500,000 people, and to 20 May to 6 July and 10 December to 3 January in other counties. [3] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A city, town or county may limit use to 4 to 6 May, 24 June to 6 July and 26 December to 4 January (and the second and third days of Diwali) in a county with more than 500,000 people, and to 24 June to 6 July and 26 December to 4 January in other counties. Use may be barred between 11pm and 8am, except 11pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January and 11pm on 4 July to 1am on 5 July. [3] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Use may be prohibited on all days within one mile of preservation lands of a city or town that holds more than 15,000 acres. Within one mile of mountain preserves, desert and regional parks, designated conservation areas, national forests and wilderness areas, use may be prohibited during a stage one or higher fire restriction in counties over 500,000 people, and on all days in smaller counties. Cities and towns may prohibit use within their limits. [3] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only ground and handheld devices are permitted: sparkling devices, fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners and sparklers. Anything that rises into the air or explodes, such as firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and aerial shells, is excluded (adult snappers are allowed in counties of more than 500,000 people). [4] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Consumer fireworks are a matter of statewide concern: cities, towns and counties may only regulate sales under NFPA 1124 and restrict sale and use to the dates, hours and areas listed in the law. They may further regulate or ban fireworks other than permissible consumer fireworks. [3] |
| Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A city, town or county may ban use between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., except from 11:00 p.m. on 31 December to 1:00 a.m. on 1 January and from 11:00 p.m. on 4 July to 1:00 a.m. on 5 July. [3] |
Notes
- Permissible consumer fireworks are ground and handheld sparkling devices, fountains, wheels and similar items. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, mines and other aerial or exploding devices are not permissible.
- Counties are split at a population of 500,000. Cities and towns may prohibit use within their limits (36-1605(A)(7)) and local fire restrictions apply.
Sources
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 36-1605 Permitted uses; violations; civil penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 36-1609 Office of the state fire marshal; adoption of code; sale of permissible consumer fireworks (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 36, Chapter 8, Article 1: Fireworks (sections 36-1601 to 36-1610) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 36-1601 Definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Arizona and neighbouring states
| State | Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Minimum age to buy | When they may be sold to the public | When they may be let off | Where they may not be let off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes (ground devices only) | 16 | Local limits: windows around holidays | Local limits: windows; not 11pm to 8am | Cities may ban; parks and preserves |
| California | Yes (state-approved "safe and sane" only) | 16 (safe and sane fireworks) | 28 Jun noon to 6 Jul noon | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local (city/county) bans and rules apply |
| New Mexico | Yes (permissible fireworks incl. aerial) | 16 | Set periods (4 July, New Year, Cinco de Mayo) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on wildlands; drought bans |
| Nevada | Yes ("safe and sane" Class C only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Counties may ban or restrict |
| Utah | Yes (no firecrackers, rockets) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 24 Jun-25 Jul; 29-31 Dec; Chinese New Year eve | Set dates, 11am-11pm (see note) | Fire-hazard areas may be closed locally |
More rules in Arizona
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 plants, 12 per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (prima facie) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph (prima facie)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (class G licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (restricted permit); 15½ (standard permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed pocket knife not an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.15 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 16 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.